What visa should I apply for when retiring to Thailand with my wife and baby, and what are the requirements?

Retirement Visa NON-O Visa NON-OA Visa Dependent Visa Visa Application Process Thai Immigration Proof of Funds Health Insurance Marriage Documents

Feb 11, 2024

9 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Second question: 

I am from states, want to retire to Thailand next year, or year after, to live there full time.

My wife and baby would be traveling with me, as dependents. What visa would I apply for, for a 1 year renewable retirement visa with dependents, and what kind of visa does my wife need?

How much would I have to show proof of having in a US bank account, and how long would I have to move that money to a Thai bank?

I have tried to study this, I realize I need a retirement visa (O?) and my wife would need a OA? (She has US perm residence, may or may not be US citizen by time I want a retirement visa.)

Any idea how her passport nationality plays into her getting a dependent visa to accompany me to Thailand, and do I have to arrange it before getting to Thailand?

thanks for any clues, I know I can talk to Thai consulate, and want to prep.

I assume we/she would need:

* 2 different Visa applications: which ones?

* PP with 6 months or more on it.

* Health insurance proof

* Perm resident card

* proof of assets in US bank or investment broker <- how much?

Anything else?

Then what, this visa is renewable every year?

And if we leave Thailand we need to renew it before leaving?

thx, J-

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual, a U.S. citizen planning to retire in Thailand with their wife and baby, seeks guidance on the appropriate visa options and necessary documentation. They are considering applying for a retirement visa (NON-O) and a trailing spouse visa for their wife, who may need to wait until she is 50 to qualify independently. Key points include the need for proof of funds in a U.S. bank account, health insurance, and the legalization of marriage documents. Additional advice highlights the importance of checking with the Thai consulate regarding the application process and necessary documentation before initiating the move.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Nongnuch ********

and not to forget, you need your U.S. marriage documents legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, before any Immigration will accept it as proof of your marriage. The U.S. documents will be acknowledged by the Thai consulate in the USA, but they won't stand a chance on Immigration when your wife applies for the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit based on being a trailing spouse of somebody who is on a 1-year Retirement Extension

9 months ago

Brandon ************

The very first thing you need to do is find out if the embassy or consulate you'll be using allows applications for a "trailing spouse" visa based on you having a retirement visa.

If they do allow it then you would apply for a non-O or non-OA retirement visa, depending on where you want to show your proof of funds. You would also apply for your wife's non-O trailing spouse visa at the same time.

If they do not allow it, then you're not going to be retiring in Thailand until your wife turns 50 as well. This is because your wife will have to qualify for a visa on her own and she won't be able to qualify for retirement visa until she's 50.

You cannot get a trailing spouse visa inside Thailand and no other embassy in SE Asia offers this any longer.

9 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

So my closest consulate is Los Angeles; they do come to PHX for 2 days a month I think; but not sure I need to work with them in person.. Trailing Spouse, I get that. So I can just call them about it.

9 months ago

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Jeff *******

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Which visa should I apply for in Thailand: Non-O based on retirement or marriage?

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